Finally a KZfaq wood worker who gets me. I did a very similar thing to an older version of that same saw and when asked why, my answer is always "because it was more fun than a new one". Great video. Love the edit as well

Ticking all my "good youtube" boxes! - needlessly/elegantly complicated fixing of things - no background music - a very personable host Thanks (:

"I have a treadmill, but that's not the kind of dust collector I'm talking about..." That got me good. Dyin' over here!

This is guy is a true craftsman. I've been a carpenter/welder/blacksmith for 17 years now (on and off for each trade as the money came and went), and this is the kind of stuff I do. It's good to know there are others out there that make the effort to breath new life into old tools. The trades shouldn't be price restrictive, and you really give inspiration to those who would want to get into it. Most of my shop is a collection of old tools I've scored from yard sales that I still use.

as a retired, home self-taught (youtube) designer, fabricator, fixer and builder of broken (and under-designed) things (tools, old cars, old motorcycles, lawn mowers, pressure washers, dryers, washing machines, whatever in the house that breaks or starts making weird noises, etc), this is a fun program, and is RIGHT up my alley. I think we should drink beer some time. Plus, I have one of those saws I've had for 30 years or so, with all the "issues" you described.

This video is the ONLY quality video I've seen in helping rebuild one of these classic saws. With the cast iron table, these are easily converted to be capable of performing as well as cabinet saws that cost thousands of dollars. THANK YOU for making this video! It introduced me to your woodworking channel, and then led me to Aging Wheels- keep up the great work!

20:20 "I'll be calling myself a craftsman, collecting pull saws and hand planes...Who knows where it'll end?" I know this is a joke, but I really like that you're a humble (yet effective) woodworker. So many videos on YT with shops costing $5000+ decked out with this kind of stuff, or on the other end, top of the line Festool/Bosch/etc power tools. You use Ryobi. That's the investment level I'm at in my journey too, and I love seeing someone make it work at with those.

Some manufactures actually put a very small taper on the trunnions, which means they are not really interchangable. My guess, since yours was missing other parts, is someone reassembled with them swapped. Good job over all, always a good time watching you build.

I love how meta it is to build a table saw with the table saw that you are in the process of building.

28 minutes and I enjoyed every second of it. You down-to-earth craftsmanship is refreshing, thank you.

Robert, I'd die for a collab between you and Adam Savage. Your sense of humor and his always have me in stitches! Keep making!

That treadmill line was pure, subtle, genius.

You sir, are a YT gem, and it is a crying shame you don't have 2 million followers given some of the other less than spectacular channels out there. Lovin' it.

I inherited the same table saw with the exact same problems from my late grandfather. Super important to me to continue to use his old tools, so this video is AMAZING. Thank you. My wife wont be too happy with our weekend plans for the next few weeks while I follow what you did here. But in all seriousness thank you for this.

"Modifying this one is more fun." Boy, has that sentence gotten me into some predicaments!

“I do have a treadmill, but that’s not the dust collecting I’m looking for” I feel this on so many levels

I don't care who you are, THAT's an entertaining woodworking video. I'm saving part 2 for tonight, when my wife gets home and wants to watch something British.

You are a bright spot in these troubling times!

The treadmill dust collector bit was spot on. 🤣

It's getting kinda rare to find a small youtuber with videos that don't completley annoy me in the first 30 seconds, well done.

I bought a non-functioning 9" table saw a few years back. I got it working by repairing the start capacitor. Recently that capacitor failed again, so I did the right thing and replaced the capacitor with a larger one from a washing machine, then machined the base to accept a 10" blade. Works awesome now. This video is inspiring me to make a few more modifications, including a shop-vac friendly dust collector. Can't wait for part two. (But I will.)

Your dry humour is brilliant.

Nice to see a you tuber that doesn’t have a $4000 table saw.... and I find you insanely entertaining!

Classic Robert maneuver to fix it instead of getting a new one or a better one ect. Robert is good, be like Robert.

I would never do something like this (I like to tell myself, why do it when you can buy new, but it's mostly because...well, I am not good enough, so...yeah...), but it is an absolute pleasure to listen (and watch) your immaculate self-deprecation. True craftsmanship together with humbleness, THAT is art!

Some of those cuts were a little scary. Next thing on the to-do list: A crosscut sled. Also some pushsticks.

One suggestion is that while you are working on the trunnions, it is the *perfect* time to align it with the miter slots, thereby squaring the blade. One the things I *hate* about contractor saws is doing this job with saw right side up. To do this, suspend the saw between two tables, mount a blade and use a dial caliper to measure off the same tooth ahead of and behind the blade. When equal, the saw is perfectly aligned. For even better precision, measure the accuracy of the blade tilt at 45 degrees and at 90 and, if necessary, shim under one or more of the trunnions to get it spot on.

So we are having a ice storm in Oklahoma and im unable to work, so here i sit watching youtube, i came across this channel, by far my favorite woodworking channel. 👍

I appreciate your old-school style - right down to dodging the kickback. I can see that you really did enjoy rebuilding this beast vs buying a new one. Great job bud.

Soon. Very soon. I will do something like this to my old craftsman. I can't wait for part 2!

Well “Dunn” Robert! I love all your videos. I already consider you a skilled craftsman, as well as an excellent video producer, editor, narrator, comedian. Thanks for sharing your work with us!

Very inspiring. The motor bearings froze on my old cheap Craftsman table saw, about 2 years ago, that I bought new about 20 years ago. I replaced the bearings and it was good as new for about 2 months. And then the plastic base that holds it all together broke in several places. I duct taped it together for another two months. While flipping it over for another repair I accidentally dropped it from a height of approximately 1/2 inch. That's when the plastic housing shattered like glass into about 500 pieces. I don't have enough duct tape to fix it. I needed a table saw right away, so I bought a contractor style Rigid table saw. I saved the remains of my Craftsman. I think I can use some of your ideas to build a new cabinet for it. And while I'm at it, I'll make a new top for it that can accept a proper 3/4" wide miter gauge and a decent rip fence and rail, and build in removable outfeed table and side extensions, and casters, and storage compartments for accessories and...etc...

So cool! New life given to an old machine!

Modifying that saw is worth more then buying a new one with its full cast iron build quality. Smart man!

I found your video while I was in the midst of my own 1973 craftsman tablesaw teardown. I bought some pulleys and PALS from In-Line Industries and I'm liking them a lot. To fix my tilt and height adjusters, I took a steel brush and went to town on every single acme threaded rod. That shined them right up and got rid of 50 years of gunk stuck to them. They now spin like a freaking dream. I got rid of the chintzy crank handles and made my own out of some 1in thick oak. For the set screw I used a countersunk bolt, and for the crank handle a piece of purpleheart because it's pretty. We have the exact same lathe. Rock on.

i love your excitement for the dust collector

I've been agonizing over how to fix my old 113 series, this has given me a big shot in the arm of ideas, thanks :D

Great video. this is the kind of classic content youtube needs more of.

Came for the information. Stayed for the personality. As someone just getting into woodworking, I am starting with a lot of used tools. The table saw was one of them. I love the ingenuity you have with this. Was looking for fence upgrade options when I found this video, but I'm so glad I stayed for this part one episode as it has given me ideas far beyond what I was even thinking about. Thank you for the great content. Liked and subscribed.

"modifying this one is more fun." That's the best reason ever. +1 sub

Nice on the fly engineering. Well done improving the Craftsman.

Respect your choice of direction...nicely done On to part 2

Normally I don’t like KZfaqrs with a “personality” but you actually made me chuckle a few times

Gosh Robert, I need to do the same thing with an old saw and I think you have done all the heavy lifting and proof of concept for me. Now I just need to get to work. Thanks.

I worked for the SCDOT for 34 years. 25 of those years I had this exact table saw. I used it in my carpenter shop and I cut any and everything under the sun. I had a 1HP motor on the back and when I retired, that saw was still working just fine. I think the saw you have here was just not taking care of. Still a great saw.

I loved your reaction when you caught the edge of the blade with that piece of wood trying to knock the other piece off.

Man, that's a great build! Exactly what I'm up to! I've bought a table saw with a sucking fence and poor extension wings and I wanna build it similar to yours. All my friends and family think I'm freaking crazy not buying a new one. Now I'm not alone anymore! Had to subscribe immediately, greetings from Germany! Keep the videos coming.... Cool stuff!

Great work, with a good sense of humor. Keep up the great work

I really enjoyed this video. I liked how you enclosed the motor completely for the dust collection.

I chucked the motor on my old Delta Contractor saw...I put a 15 amp Leeson 1 horse on it . It is massive. Never bogs down

Good for you, I rebuild a 1956 Craftsman table saw. New bears in the arbor, doubled the belt on the motor. Then I added a quartz 27”x30” extension to the right and a new fence. Runs like a Dream 😁

I just bought a Craftsman Contractor saw with a router extension wing and remembered your video. I'm definitely going to be referencing your experiences with your saw when deciding how to tackle mine.

I admire your loyalty to that well used tool. Giving it a revamp and longevity is a kind act. Pushing the guts to its limit is a testament to your ingenuity plus the saw's potential. Haven't seen part 2 but hope it performs as well as it's designed. I refurbish/enhance my old tools but too often the results fall short of expectation. Just want to comment, my Beaver/Rockwell saw is very similar. The trunnions were a thin die cast. Managed to find an older scrap machine for parts and glad to say the older trunnions were thick heavy cast iron and fit perfectly. So salvaging parts can pay off. What bothers me is the blade alignment is affected by the motor and belt pulling on the arbor. The alignment is .002" without tension but sky rockets to .015" with tension. As the blade is lowered, the alignment measured along the center of the arbor also changes maybe .020". Woodgears video (kzfaq.info/get/bejne/j5Z-ZtKI17bbp3k.html) has ideas to reduce vibration which might help with my alignment issue. Any thoughts.

Is it me or was this a really well done video?

Glad I found your channel, and this video in particular. Someone gave me an old table saw with no base, no riving knife, and a super sketchy fence. I was about to spring for an entire new saw, but now I can't wait to (at least try) breaking down and rebuilding the one I have. Also can't wait to watch part 2.

As soon as you said "we don't really need that screw" after breaking it. I hit the subscribe button. Finally someone being a normal person on KZfaq. Other channels would have spent hours fixing a broken fastener. Knowing if they were alone with no camera, they would let it slide just like you did. Thanks so much for being yourself and showing us a normal persons adventure into DIY projects.

“Why don’t you just get a new table saw?” “Well, modifying this one is more fun!” I felt that in my soul. Sub’d.

So happy I found your channel! I also bought an old 315 Craftsman from an older gentleman off craigslist about a year ago and have been wanting to overhaul it! Thanks!

Love your sense of humor.

Excellent, yes. Now use this tablesaw to make yourself another table saw. Centralized dust collection? I love that idea. It's like having a central vacuum system in your house - A feature I wish to see more of. Definitely do this. Also, missed opportunity for "Part 1: The Base-ics" or some pun based on that.

That was VERY entertaining!!! I am in my 70's so I just buy it if the project takes more than 3 days. I tip my hat to you young man. Job well done!!

My favourite tool in my shop is my 40-year old table saw I paid 80 dollars for. It needed some TLC, but now runs and works beautifully. These are such fun and worthwhile projects.

I found your main channel not too long ago and now I've found this one. I just wanted to take the time to say how much I enjoy your videos. I love that you're videos are informative and you aren't afraid to be goofy. I'm looking forward to working my way through all of your videos. Keep it up, sir!

You're my favorite youtube creator, thank you for uploading this tonight. The world is so dark right now, this was a welcome little campfire to rest by

I love you didn't take the easy rout of a new table saw and fix your existing one. Looks awesome.

I just wanted to say I very much enjoyed your video and I'm looking forward to part 2. I think you did a great job and why not improve tools you already own. Most people ask"why not just buy new" but with a little saw dust and imagination you now have a saw that works awesome and will last a long time. Well done!!

Bought a double cast iron wing Craftsman 113 yesterday....aaannd it fell off the back of the trailer managing to flip completely before landing upside down. All the cast iron and fence rails survived but the inertia of the motor and mounts permanently racked the sheet metal case. After looking for about 4 hours it seems that you have the ONLY video on the internets describing how to build a housing - thank you very much! Your production is very watchable, and while you're a notch below Ryan Reynolds your delivery is terrific. ...and I laughed out (really) loud at the treadmill thing like Mr. Eaves did.

Watching Robert wandeling about as he's tonying up a new old table saw is truly entertaining!

Nothing better than smoothly restoring anything, especially if you use it alot

Great video! Really looking forward to how you build the new fence.

I have a very similar saw. Thank you for the enthusiastic tear down and rebuild! I may use these tips to improve mine. Hoping for a riving knife!

Less than ten minutes into this video and you had a new subscriber. I am contemplating the same project with a Porter Cable jobsite saw that they don't even make anymore. But more than that, your pace, volume, sense of humor, detail, and camerawork are topnotch and I am your newest fan. Thanks for the video!

I love the sonic quality of this video - it's very satisfying to listen to, and the occasional "audio changes before video" is a lovely detail.

brother from another mother! its nice to see like minded diy McGyver hybrid guy / make it work for the sake of my entertainment... guy. i went thru 3 of that style and age table saws and finally spent the money on the ridgid R4520 hybrid. made everything in my shop seem to flow except my dust problem. great video, respect on the editing.

I stumbled upon your channel as one does on KZfaq and love your channel. You’re the chaotic good of KZfaq DIY’ers. I wish you and your fingers well.

👍🏻Your personality is infectious. Super great job in explaining all it took to be taken on your journey to refurbish the table saw. While I only need to extend my table, came away with the insight on how to accomplish it. I’ll see what follows to decide on subscribing.

This video could alse be titled "Man directs table saw to rebuild itself" Very entertaining to watch that was 🙂

Nice build and I enjoyed your humor!

Brilliant! If you're ever in my neck o the wood, I'll let you make over my old Craftsman saw!

This is my first time on your channel. I recently was given one of these table saws. I have a lathe and only learned how to deal with round things. Now I need to learn about updating and using my saw. You look as excited as I do with new tools, but you know how to use them.

Genius. Excellent video and process. You showed the good, the bad, and the ugly. A true make it happen Craftsman. Thank you for sharing your journey. You are truly inspiring. Enjoyed every minute. Can't wait to see the projects coming out of your dream shop.

Just found your channel, I enjoyed this video and hope to see more like it. The descriptions are solid and the dry 4th wall humor works for me. Keep it up and I hope to see more.

11:37 - You're holding your bandsaw together with bungee cords?!?!?!? - Subscribed!

I have been making do with a mallet all these years, but I guess it's time for me to get a whacky stick. When I finally replaced the stamped steel base of my Craftsman table saw with my homemade cabinet, a friend who used my saw thought I'd replaced the blade. It was still the same old crappy combination blade, but the cabinet was so much more rigid it eliminated the vibration and made it cut almost like a $70 Freud blade. That's one of the best reasons to build your own cabinet for it.

Very nice. I have the same saw and it works good. These upgrades are definitly something to think about. Great job. Thanks for sharing.

Great video! I needed this for inspiration. I have the same saw and have been trying to figure out a good way to add the dust collection system. As a bonus I’ve now been inspired buy your upgrades to make my saw more efficient!

Super inspiring, and lots of fun. Phhht, who need to watch Mathias Wendal?

You seriously need your own show. This is better than This Old House.

I bought this same saw on craigslist. It would not tilt. Fortunately I have a portable tablesaw and I do any angle cuts which I don't do that much. For $200 it had a rockler router table on one side and a rockler assembly table on the other side. The fence is a bessemer that goes up to 44 inches. I have so far put two drops or so of sewing machine oil in the motor when it got sluggish. I made an outfeed table to cut longer pieces of wood. It serves as an assembly table also. I recently moved it to a different spot in my shop and if I would have seen your video I would have jacked with the mechanism. I like your thinking and delivery style.

Oh man, you are funny! Very skilled and knowledgeable, but the right amount of humour too, love it 👍👍

Dude, I have damned near this exact table saw. I just happened upon your channel, and I'm so glad I did. I've had most of the problems you mention on mine, as well. Now I feel confident to do all of this to my saw too. A great many thanks to you. Just this series has earned my sub.

I applaud your intense desire to tinker

I think I have a new favorite channel... absolutely love your combination of intelligence and humor, and some good video production work in there. I also have a few generations older of the same table saw, with about half the issues you did, so I'm saving this for the day when my problems increase.

I would have stayed because I plan to improve my old craftsman table saw, but I'm subscribing because you're animated and funny. Looking forward to more.

THANK YOU. I have a similar saw (Rigid TS2412) that had never been taken apart, cleaned and reassembled. Your thorough video was all I needed to take the plunge (cut). My trunnions were a bit sticky but I did not have to swap them end for end. Taking it down to that point really gives one an understanding of the mechanisms involved. Plus everything is so smooooooth when finished. Mine went back in its metal cabinet but such a joy now. Love your mahogany chop saw zero clearance fence. Really well Dunn.

The cast iron beds are worth their weight in gold plus the overhaul on the lift and tilt mechanism is fantastic experience to understand how something works. Ryobi may not be the dogs bollocks, but as long as it does what you want it to do, who gives a toss. Job well done and a top noch vid. Jono UK.

I found a rusted and “broken” one of these on the side of the road with a sign that said. “Free: only good for scrap.” I’d been praying for a better Table saw (had a harbor freight job-site saw)and figured God was providing. Spent 1.5hrs and $14 repairing the motor. $12 on a new belt and 2 hrs cleaning, greasing, and rebuilding the saw. It’s been a great improvement.

Absolutely the best DIY table saw video I have ever seen. I own the exact same saw, and have the exact same problems. Definitely going to use this video to resolve some of those. Thanks!!!!

The guts of all the older Craftsman table saws are the same (table, trunnion, tilt/height adjusters and motor mount). My 1968/69 vintage 113 saw I inherited from my dad is now up and running almost like it was new, except for a few scratches. He made and I rebuilt a full base for it, making it almost a cabinet saw... the original steel box remains inside the plywood box and provides the main support (as it did originally). The entire thing must weigh about 400-500 lbs. with the extra cast wings, Delta T4 fence system and cast iron router table wing. I can do 36.5" of rip to the right and 12" to the left. Plenty of capacity. Love it, even if it has no real splitter or blade guard now (removed the originals to add the new fence, but I'll add a MicroJig MJ Splitter to help).

Love your videos. Definitely going to rebuild the cabinet on my old delta table saw.